Composition of matter and process for preventing water-in-oil type emulsions resulting from acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata



'css

Piper-us 14:2 r til Rgnm Patented Nov. 11, 1941 COMPOSITION OF MATTER AND PROCESS FOR PREVENTING WATER-IN-OIL TYPE EMULSIONS RESULTING FROM ACIDIZA- TION OF CALCAREOUS OIL-BEARING STRATA Melvin De Groote, University City, Mo., assignor to Petrolite Corporation, Ltd., Wilmington, DeL, a corporation of Delaware No Drawing. Application October 11, 1940, Serial No. 360,803

34 Claims. Cl. 166-21) This invention relates to the art or procedure commonly referred to as acidization of oil-bearing calcareous strata or the like, and which consists in introducing a strong mineral acid into an ing at least one nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and preferably, at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical. Such reactants are mixed together so that there oil well for the purpose of causing the acid to dis- '5 is at least one mole of the high molal, water-inintegrate, dissolve, or react with the calcareous soluble alcohol for each mole of polymerized hyoil-bearing structure of the well, in a manner droXylated polyamine; and there may be several that results in an increase in the amount of moles of such high molal alcohols combined with crude petroleum obtained from the oil-bearing each mole of the polymerizedhydroxylated amine. strata. lo Such condensation is effected by the action of the Many oil wells, after being subjected to acidheat generally at a temperature above 200 C., ization, produce emulsions, frequently of a very and may be conducted at a temperature as high refractory nature, that have to be demulsified or as 325 C. Generally speaking, the range of 250- subjected to chemical, electrical, or similar treat- 275 C represents an optimum temperature. ment, in order to recover the oil or valuable con- 15 Preferably, condensation is conducted by first stituent of the emulsion. My invention has for polymerizing such hydroxylated amines and then its main object to prevent the formation of obcondensing the polymerized hydroxylated polyjectionable water-in-oil type emulsions resulting amine with the selected alcohol. Polymerization from acidization of oil wells; or stated in another catalysts consists of materials of the kind corn- Way, one object of my invention is to provide a 0 monl y employed to polymerize hydroxylated process or procedure by which the oil-bearing monoamines, such as triethanolaminef They incalcareous structure of a well can be acidized to elude materials such as caustic soda, caustic p increase the oil production, Without danger of ash; hi h molal amines, S ap sodium g ycerate; the procedure causing the well to produce a prod; sodiu y Sodium e y a a d t e l uct, which, after being discharged from the well, 5 The amounts used y from, t0 'apprOXie has to be treated with a demulsifying agent, or ately -1%, or even less. Polymerization is subjected to other treatment of the kind comgenerally conducted at a tempe e range of monlyremploy'edior converting refractory petroapp ate y 2 Constant Stirring is leum emulsions into oil that can be sold to pipe desirable during polymerization and condensa- 1 lines and refineries. Such refractory emulsions tio Suchcondensation products us a y are which often follow conventional acidization, repcation-activematerials. The detailed composiresent a transitory, rather than a permanent sittion of the products obtained is not known, al-

uation; but even if lasting only for a few weeks, though in a general way, ether linka es m s be they are extremely objectionable. involved.

Another object of my invention is to provide a 01 t is reason a y of the p p e Of the new composition of matter that is particularly materials are unpr dictable. t is su p to adapted for use in the operation of acidizing the find that such materials are stable for an excalcareous structure in a way to increase the tended period of time in half-concentrated hyamount of crude petroleum obtainable from said drochloric acid, or other similar mineral acids. structure, ithout, however, converting said It is likewise remarkable t0 note that such S0111- crude petroleum into an objectionable emulsion. tions in acid; and pa arly in relatively low My new process, briefly stated, consists in causratios, as he eina described, give a v y P ing an emulsion-preventing agent of the kind nouncedlowering of the surface tension. This hereinafter described, to be mixed with, dissolved is especiallyr e in such compounds Condenin, or commingled with the fluids, liquids, or $153 sation products that are derived at relatively high liquid mixture in an oil well that has been subtemperatures, d p i y if v d fr m polyjected to or which is being subjected to acidi'zaamino reactants having at least two amino nitrotion, prior to emergence of said fluids, liquids, or gen atoms'not directly linked to a hydroxy hydroliquid mixtures from the well. carbonjradical. It is difiicult to indicate a de- Said emulsion-preventingagent consists of a tailed probable structure for such compounds condensation product or chemical compound obwhich would account for their resistance to de-' tained by reaction between a high molal, watercomposition in strong acid solution. v insoluble alcohol and a polymerized polyamine, As indictaed, an amine may act as a catalyst; derived from a hydroxylated polyamine contain-: or stated in another way, the hydroxylated amine 557 of the kind employed as a reactant in; the'proaw.- oumruoa l Whit,

22 3 4 4 duction of the emulsion-preventing agent or condensation product, may act as its own polymerization catalyst. For instance, in condensation product Examples 1-8, inclusive, as described subsequently, the added catalyst may be eliminated or reduced, with probable increased time of condensation being required. Thus, in the hereto appended claims, reference to a catalyst is aer traveling upwardly to the surface of the ground, but the particular procedure, the means,

used to effect the mixing or commingling of said emulsion-preventing agent with the well fluids'or liquids, and the particular time when said mixing is effected, are immaterial, so long as said emulsion-preventing agent becomes mixed with, dissolved in, or commingled with the cognate fluids of the Well or the liquids or liquid mixture resulting from the acidization operation (the oil and the reaction product of the mineral acid on the calcareous structure), prior to emergence from the well. Equally good results may be obtained by the following procedure, to wit:

(a) Introducing the emulsion-preventing agent, preferably in aqueous solution, prior to the introduction of the mineral acid into the well;

(D) Introducing the emulsion-preventing agent along with the mineral acid, i. e., dissolved in said acid; and

Introducing the emulsion-preventing agent, preferably in aqueous solution immediately after the introduction of th mineral acid.

The composition of matter that I have devised for acidizing the calcareous oil-bearing structure of oil wells, consists of the emulsion-preventing agent above described, mixed with, dissolved in, or combined with a strong mineral acid, such as hydrochloric-acid, nitric acid, sulfuric acid, sulfamic acid, or mixtures of the same. My preference is to use hydrochloric acid whose concentration is at least equal t approximately half strength commercial 18 B. acid, as I have found that when such an acid is mixed with approximately 0.01% to 2.5% of the herein contemplated emulsion-preventing agent or agents, one obtains a new composition of matter that is perfectly stable and homogeneous, and which exhibits unusual properties, particularly when said acid mixture or new composition of matter is employed in the acidization of oil-bearing strata. However, I wish it to be understood that my invention, 1. e., the process and composition of matter herein described, is not restricted to the use of hydrochloric acid, but instead, contemplates the use of any suitable strong mineral acid, several of which have previously been described as being usable in place of hydrochloric acid. Similarly, I wish it to be understood that the new composition of matter herein described may have other or additional uses, such, for example, as in the acidization of oil-bearing strata, which do not produce emulsions. The hydrochloric acid or the like that is employed mayor may not have present other addition agents intended to make the acid particularly adapted to most localized conditions, which sometimes arise in the course of acidization. It should be emphasized that whatis said hereinafter as to the utility and effectiveness of the composition of matter herein contemplated, applies with equal force and effect to the process which forms part of the present invention.

A number of problems have been involved in the introduction of strong mineral acid into oilbearing strata of the kind containing calcium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, mixtures of 1 same, with siliceous material, or material which is dolomitic in character, and commonly referred to as calcareous structures. One problem is the prevention of corrosion, or damage to the metallic working parts of the well into which the acid is introduced. This has been overcome in various ways, such as by the use of an inhibitor. For the sake of brevity, reference is made to the following patents which give a cross-sectional view of theart related to acidization, although there are in addition certain other practical elements which are well known: U. S. Patent Nos. 1,877,504, dated Sept. 13, 1932, Grebe and Sanford; 1,891,667, dated Dec. 20, 1932, Carr; 1,911,- 446, dated May 20, 1933, Grebe and Sanford; 1,990,969, dated Feb. 12, 1935, Wilson; 2,011,579, dated August 20, 1935, Heath and Fry; 2,024,718, dated Dec. 17, 1935, Chamberlain; 2,038,956, dated Apr. 28, 1936, Parkhurst; 2,053,285, dated Sept. 8, 1936, Grebe; 2,126,160 and 2,128,161, dated Aug. 23, 1938, Morgan, and 2,161,085, dated June 6, 1939, Phelan.

As had been previously stated, in'the acidization of oil-bearing calcareous strataor thelike, it has been found necessary, in some instances, to add certain other materials or compounds which give additional desirable effects. at least under certain conditions. For instance, hydrofluoric acid or fluorides, have been added to intensify the action of the hydrochloric acid used to treat the well. Possibly this i related to the action on siliceous matter in the calcareous structure. The reason for the addition of inhibitors has been previously indicated. Sometimes it has been desirable to add tenacious foam-producing agents, such as glue, gelatin, or the like. In other instances, it has been desirable to add calcium sequestering compounds, such as sodium hexametaphosphate. In other instances, reducing agents have been added to keep any dissolved iron salts in the ferrous state. Isopropyl alcohol or the like is sometimes added as a surface tension depressant. Thus, the addition of various other auxiliary agents, commonly referred to as addition agents, is well known.

I have found that the materials or products which I contemplate adding to the hydrochloric acid or the like to produce my new composition of matter, or to act as an emulsion-preventing agent in my new process, do not interfere in any manner with the functional effect of other conventional acidizing addition agents. Of course, any single example may contain no additional agent at all; it may contain one or more, depending upon the particular local conditions and use. As far as I am aware, the herein-contemplated compounds which are added to hydrochloric acid, or any other suitable mineralacid, such as a mixture of hydrochloric acid and hydrofluoric acid,'do not replace other addition agents which have been added for various other purposes. For the sake of brevity, reference will be made to hydrochloric acid as illustrating any suitable mineral acid. It is understood, of course, that such hydrochloric acid may or may not contain various amounts of hydrofluoric acid.

As previously indicated, the emulsion-prevent- Search Room tion process.

la it?) ing agents herein described have the effect of preventing emulsions, when an oil well is turned into production after the acidizing operation. Many oil wells are acidized without subsequently producing any emulsions; or the emulsions, if produced, are self-resolving or readily susceptible to any moderate breaking action. However, certain wells, particular those located in western Kansas and certain wells in Illinois, when acidized by conventional processes, yield particularly refractory emulsions. This is a rather surprising situation, insofar that the spent acid results in a solution having approximately 20% of calcium chloride present, and having a pH value of approximately 3.5 to 5. One would expect the increased, acidity over that of most natural brines to decrease the stability of the emulsion. One would, also expect that the increased electrolyte content of the dispersed phase would decrease the stability of the emulsion. The increased specific gravity differential should have a similar destabilizing effect. Actually, in a number of instances this is not the case, and such emulsions have resulted in unusual problems. In its broadest aspect, then, the agents herein contemplated may be used simply as emulsion-preventers, in connection with the acidization of subterranean strata.

The most concentrated hydrochloric acid, ordinarily available, is about 36% HC1 strength. The commercial acid of this strength or somewhat weaker, is usually diluted with an equal quantity of water before it is used for acidization; i. e., the acid used in acidization may vary from 14% to 16.5% HC1, although acid varying in strength from-% to HC1 has been employed. It is entirely feasible to add an agent to the acid as produced at the point of manufacture, thus exemplifying the composition of matter featureof the present invention. For instance, if desired, 0.02% to 5% of the contemplated agent may be added to the concentrated hydrochloric acid in manufacture. Such acid can be diluted to a suitable point before being employed in the acidiza- Thus, such concentrated acid can be diluted, for instance, half and half, so that the reagent is present in the dilute product within the ratio suggested previously, to wit: 0.01% and 2.5%. In many instances, the use of between 0.05% and 0.5% represents an acceptable average range.

In actual practice the hydrochloric acid obtained by a person or firm responsible for acidizing operations, may be used, in some instances, on oil-bearing strata, which do not form severe or refractory emulsions, and thus no advantage is obtained by adding a composition of the kind herein contemplated in comparison with ordinary acid. Then too, some calcareous oil-bearing strata which produces severe emulsions, may require more or less of the agent of the kind herein contemplated than would be necessary in some other strata. For this reason, in the practical aspect it is generally desirable to add the agent of the kind herein contemplated to the dilute acid, so as to be suitable for the specific local conditions which require treatment. The suitable range of ratios for ordinary half-strength acid has been indicated.

As has been previously suggested, one may also add to the acid intended for acidization, various other reagents or addition products of the kind described in the aforementioned list of patents, without affecting the operation of the emulsionpreventing agent that I employ, and without danger of said emulsion-preventing agent interfering with the effectiveness of such other acidizali ll tionaddition products. Likewise, it has been indicated that one need not necessarily employ my emulsion-preventing agent in the form of an addition agent, which is added to or mixed with the acid used in the acidizing step. Instead, my emulsion-preventing agent may be introduced in suitable aqueous solution, preferably in fairly concentrated solution, for instance, 1-5%, prior to the acidizing step, or immediately after the acidizing step. The method of introduction is, of course, any conventional method, and preferably, employs the same apparatus and procedure used for introducing the acid. For convenience, however, and in the most preferred form, my invention is exemplified by employing as an integral part thereof the composition of matter herein contemplated, to wit, hydrochloric acid or the like, containing in stable admixture, agents of the kind subsequently to be described and within the percentage range indicated.

Theineffectivenessofmostordinaiydemulsiflers for preventing the formation of water-in-oil type emulsions resulting from acidization, is readily understandable. Ordinary demulsifiers either are not soluble in half-strength hydrochloric acid, or its equivalent, or they are not soluble in spent brine of the kind previously mentioned, i. e., brine containing roughly the equivalent of 20% of calcium chloride, and having a pH of 3.5 to 5. Furthermore, if soluble at all, they are generally decomposed; and if they do not decompose under ordinary conditions, they at least decompose under the conditions which involve the necessary pressure employed in acidization. Then too, in some instances where such demulsifiers appear to meet all other requirements, they apparently precipitate out on the face of the pay sand or oil-bearing strata, and may even reduce instead of increase the oil production, as compared with results obtained by ordinary acid. There are a number of other reasons not necessary to explain, which prevent ordinary demulsifiers from being eliective. It is possible that the characteristic properties of my new composition of matter herein described, make it adaptable for use in other arts with which I am not acquainted; but it may be apparent to others. It is also possible that the stable mixture of the kind described, 1. e., certain agents dissolved in strong mineral acid, have other properties which I have not investigated, and in view of such properties, such mixture is particularly adaptable for the particular use herein described.

As has been previously indicated, one class of reactants employed as a raw material in the manufacture of the herein contemplated emulsion-preventing agent, is the class of high molal, water-insoluble alcohols. Such high molal alcohols are well-known compounds, and the method of producing or obtaining the same is common knowledge. Briefly stated, such high molal alcohols may be aliphatic alicyclic, or cycloaliphatic in nature. They may be primary, secondary, or tertiary alcohols, and may be saturated or unsaturated. They may be derived from diiierent sources. Some of the alcohols occur in nature as a constituent of naturally-occurring waxes. Such alcohols include the following: cetyl alcohol, octadecyl alcohol, arachyl alcohol, carnubyl alcohol, ceryl alcohol, myricyl alcohol, pisangceryl alcohol. Other alcohols are obtained from natural fats (vegetable or animal oils or fats) and from waxes, by reduction or other processes. EX- amples of suitable materials for use as reduction reactants are .tallow, sperm oil, cocoanut oil, etc. Suclr alcohols are frequently'designated by in- 252. COMPOSEUONS dicating the source of fatty acids or the like from x ch they are obtained. Thus, they may be reed to as oleyl alcohol, stearyl alcohol, ricinoleyl alcohol, etc. The same procedure which is employed in connection with the conversion of fatty acids or their esters to alcohols, is also applicable to somewhat kindred monocarboxy acids or esters, such as naphthenic acid, abietic acid, and the like; and thus there are available corresponding naphthenyl alcohols, abietyl alcohols, etc. Water-insoluble cycloaliphatic alcohols are obtained in various ways, including reactions between a phenolic body and an alkylene oxide, such as ethylene oxide, or between a phenolate and a monochlorhydrin, or the like. Alcohols somewhat similar to abietyl alcohols, and sometimes referred to as resin alcohols, are derived from resins, such as dammar, copal, etc. The alcohols may have straight chains or branch chains. 7

Examples include nonyl alcohol, decyl alcohol, dodecyl alcohol, tetradecyl alcohol, hexadecyl alcohol, octadecyl alcohol, and the like.

Another class of alcohols is derived from oxidized petroleum, which consists predominantly of secondary aliphatic alcohols contained in a range of about 9-28 carbon atoms per molecule. See U. S. Patent No. 1,909,295, dated May 16, 1933, to Luther et a1. See also U. S. Patent No. 2,108,756, dated February 15, 1938, to McAllister. As to a number of alcohols containing 9-25 carbon atoms and which represent secondary alcohols of the branch chain type, see U. S. Patent No. 2,088,020, dated July 27, 1937, to Wickert. As to other suitable high molal tertiary alcohols, reference is made to U. S. Patent No. 2,084,253, dated June 15, 1937, to Hintermaier. As to certain cycloaliphatic alcohols, see U. S. Patent No. 2,174,131, dated September 26, 1939, to Lubs.

As to unsaturated alcohols, for example, attention is directed to those which occur naturally as a constituent of sperm oil or the like, and further reference is made to U. S. Patent No. 2,199,403, dated May 7, 1940, to Henk et al.

The hydroxylated polyamines characterized by the presence of at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly attached to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, are well known compounds. They may be obtained in various ways. The commonest procedure is to treat a polyamine with an alkylene oxide or its equivalent, such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, butylene oxide, glycidol, or the like. The commoner polyamines which can be so treated with an oxy-alkylating agent include the following: ethylene diamine; dieth ylene triamine; triethylene tetramine; tetraethylene pentamine; pentaethylene hexamine; .propylene diamine; dipropylene'triamine; tripropylene tetramine; tetrapropylene pentamine; pentapropylene hexamine, etc. In some instances such amines may be treated with an alkylating agent or the like so as to introduce an alkyl, aralkyl, or alicyclic radical into the compound as a substitute for an amino hydrogen atom. For instance, one may obtain diethyl tetraethylene pentamine in the conventional manner, using ethyl iodide or the like as an alkylating agent.

In any event, having selected a suitable polyamine, the product is then treated with any acceptable oxy-alkylating agent, such as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, and the like. In view of the low'ercost of ethylene oxide and in view of its greater activity, it is most frequently employed. For instance, ethylene diamine can be treated with one mole of ethylene oxide to produce hy- "Cross lieicieiite droxy ethylene diamine. Diethylene,,..triamine an be treated with three moles of ethylene oxide so as to yield triethanol diethylene triamine. Triethylene tetramine can be treated with four moles of ethylene oxide to yield tetraethanol triethylene tetramine. Similarly, one can obtain tetraethanol tetraethylene pentamine, or tetraethanol pentaethylene hexarnine. One can employ propylene oxide or glycidol to give similar products. In view of the fact that the most inexpensive polyamine now available is tetraethylene pentamine, I prefer to treat tetraethylene pentamine with three moles, four moles, or five moles of ethylene oxide to give the corresponding triethanol, tetraethanol, and pentaethanol derivatives, and to employ such derivatives.

In the manufacture of the emulsion-preventing agent or condensation agent of the kind herein contemplated, 'it is sometimes desirable to add a polyhydric alcohol, such as glycerol, ethylene glycol, diethylene glycol, diglycerol, propylene glycol, or the like. The efiect of adding such polyhydric alcohol is essentially the same effect as would be obtained by treating thehigh molal alcohol with an alkylene oxide, suclvf as ethylene oxide, propylene oxide, glycidol, or the like, or treating the unpolymerized hydroxylated amine in a similar manner, or treating the polymerized hydroxylated amine in a kindred fashion.

In view of the numerous reactants which have been indicated, it is obvious that one can obtain a, variety of condensation products or emulsionpreventing reagents. If a compound or emulsion-preventing agent is not soluble enough, its solubility or the solubility of its salt can be increased in various manners, for instance:

(a) Employ. an alcohol having a lower molecular weight;

(1)) Use fewer moles of alcohol per mole o original unpolymerized polyamine;

(0) Select as a raw material an aminehavlng a V greater number of amino nitrogen atoms;

(d) Select as a raw material an amine having a greater number of hydroxy hydrocarbon radicals;

(e) Select as an amine a compound having Inversely, it will sometimes happen that the condensation product or emulsion-preventing agent is too soluble; or, to state the matter another way, it does not possess suflicient surface activity for the purpose intended. In such instances it may be desirable to decrease the hydrophile properties. It is unnecessary to remark that this requires only a reversal of one or more of the procedures previously enumerated. It is believed that in view of what has been said, the compounds of the kind contemplated can be prepared without further directions or illustrations. However, for the purpose of indicating the/preferable type of condensation product or emulsionpreventing agent, attention is directed to the following examples:

Polymerized hydroazylated polyamine, Example 1 Triethylene tetramine is treated with four moles of ethylene oxide to produce tetraethanol triethylene tetramine. Approximately threeearch Room fourths of a percent of caustic soda is added to this material -by weight and the hydroxylated amine is heated for approximately two to four hours at about 245-260 C. The mass is stirred constantly .and any distillate is condensed and reserved for re-use after an intermediate re-running step. As polymerization takes place, as indicated by elimination of water and increase in viscosity of the residual mass, cryoscopic molecular Weight determinations are made on the polyamine or a suitable salt, such as the acetate, or the like, and polymerization is stopped when such molecular weight determinations indicate that the material based on average values is largely dimeric.

Polymerized hydroxylated polyamine, Example 2 The same procedure is employed as in the previous example, except that heating is conducted for approximately 1-3 hours longer. Tests are made in the same manner as previously indicated, and ploymerization is stopped when determinations indicate that the average molecular weight is equivalent to a trimeric product.

Polymer-ized hydroxylated polyamine, Example 3 The same procedure is followed as in Example 2, preceding, except that a slightly higher temperature is employed, i. e., about higher, and

if need be, a slightly longer time; and the process I is continued until the product indicates an average molecular weight equal toor exceeding that of a tetramer.

Polymer-ized hydroxylated polyamine, Example 4 The preceding examples are repeated, adding one mole of glycerol for each mole of hydroxylated amine employed.

Polymerized hydroxylated pol amine, Example 5 Examples 1-3, inclusive, are repeated, adding two moles of glycerol for each mole of hydroxylated polyamine employed.

Polymerieed hydroxylated polyamine, Example 6 Tetraethanol pentaethylene hexamine is substituted for tetraethanol tetraethylene tetramine in Examples 1-5.

Polymerzeed hydroxylated pol /amine, Example 7 Tetraethanol tetraethylene pentamine is substituted for tetraethanol pentaethylene hexamine in the preceding example.

Polymerieed hydroxylated polya'mine, Example 8 Pentaethanol tetraethylene pentamine is substituted for tetraethanol tetraethylene pentamine in the preceding example.

Polymerized hydroxylated pol amine, Example 9 Hexaethanol tetraethylene pentamine is substituted for pentaethanol tetraethylene pentamine in the previous example.

Condensation product, Example 1 A mixture is prepared using one pound mole each of the following: cetyl alcohol and a material of the kind exemplified by polymerized hydroxylated polyamine, Example 1. The products are mixed and stirred constantly, holding the temperature at approximately ZOO-275 C. until no unreacted high molal alcohol remains. The bulk of such high molal alcohol generally disappears within two to three hours; but sometimes it is necessary to heat from 6-12 hours to obtain substantially complete reaction. The final I a 4 a completion of reaction is indicated in various ways, and usually by the fact that the product gives a clear solution in dilute acetic acid.

Condensation product, Example 2 Normal nonyl alcohol is substituted for cetyl alcohol in Example 1.

Condensation product, Example 3 Normal decyl alcohol is substituted for cetyl alcohol in Example 1.

Condensation product, Example 4 Dodecyl alcohol is substituted for cetyl alcohol in Example 1.

Condensation product, Example 5 Tetradecyl alcohol is substituted for cetyl alcohol in Example 1.

Condensation product, Example 6 Condensation product, Example 7 Example 6 is repeated using two pound moles of glycerol in each instance instead of one pound mole.

Condensation product, Example 8 Examples 1-'? preceding are repeated using polymerized hydroxylated polyamines Examples 2-9 instead of Example 1, as in the previous examples.

It is to be noted that the expression condensation product has been used to indicate a compound derived from one mole of a polymerized hydroxylated amine of the kind described, and at least one mole of a high molal, waterinsoluble alcohol of the kind described.

All the chemical compounds previously described are water-soluble as such, or when dissolved in dilute acid or acid of the concentration indicated. Such compounds may be combined not only with mineral acids, but also with organic acids, such as acetic acid, lactic, stearic acid, or the like. For this reason they can be used without difficulty in aqueous solution as an emulsion-prevention agent by injecting such aqueous solution into the oil-bearing strata prior to acidization, or immediately after acidization. Such injection is made by conventional means, as for example, the same apparatus or mechanical device employed for injecting acid into the Well or oil-bearing strata. Furthermore, substantially all the compounds above described are soluble in hydrochloric acid of a strength corresponding to approximately 15%. Furthermore, substantially all the compounds of the type indicated are soluble in concentrated hydrochloric acid. Commercial hydrochloric acid is ordinarily available in grades from approximately 18 B., corresponding to approximately 28% anhydrous acid, to 22 B., corresponding to approximately 35.2% anhydrous acid. Some commercial hydrochloric acid is available in a strength which approximates the C. P. grade or slightly less than 37% anhydrous acid.

Needless to say, my new composition of matter can be prepared readily in any convenient form. The expression new composition of matter in this present instance is intended to refer to the combination or mixture obtained by combining materials of the kind described with hydrochloric 252. COMPOSHHQNS.

i old or the like.

However, as far as I am aware, the emulsion-preventing agents or condensation products per se represent new compositions of matter.

The selected compound may be dissolved in concentrated hydrochloric acid without dilution. The percentages employed have already been indicated, Such a concentrated hydrochloric acid may or may not contain some hydrofluoric acid. Likewise, if desired, the emulsion-preventing agent may be dissolved in water, and such aqueous solution added to the hydrochloric acid or the like, in order to dilute the same to the desired concentration. Another procedure, of course, is to add the particular chemical compound which has been selected as the emulsionpreventing agent. The percentage of chemical compound of the kind herein described is added within the range of 0.01% to In the hereto appended claims, reference to the use of the condensation product is intended to include the base form, i. e., the chemical combination of water, and also the salt form, such as the lactate, acetate, citrate, or the like.

It has been previously pointed out that a large variety of the materials herein described represents surface-active materials, or more specifically, cation-active materials. There is a wide variety of uses for surface-active materials. See,

for example, U. S. Patent No. 2,174,131, dated September 26, 1939, to Lubs. Some of these purposes are particularly adapted to the use of a cation-active material, or a cation-active material which is at least self-emulsifiable. Briefly, then, specific uses for my new product include use as wetting, detergent, and leveling agents in the laundry, textile, and dyeing industry, as

wetting agents and detergents in the acid washing of fruit, and in the acid washing of building.

stone and brick; as a wetting agent and spreader in the application of asphalt in road building and the like; as a constituentof soldering flux preparations; as a flotation reagent in the flotation separation of various minerals; ior flocculation and'coagulation of various aqueous' suspensions containing negatively charged particles such as sewage, coal washing waste water, and

various trade wastes and the like; as germicides and insecticides; and emulsifiers for cosmetics, spray oils, water-repellant textile finish, etc. These uses are by no means exhaustive. The products may be used as demulsifiers in the manner that such materials are most widely used in the production of crude oil or removal of salt in refinery practice, I

Products of the kind herein contemplated may be considered as intermediate products, and may be reacted with other materials, particularlydi basic acids, or fractional salts or esters thereof, such as oxalic acid, maleic acid, phthalic acid, sodium acid phthalate, octyl acid phthalate, 'triricinolein monophthalate, triricinolein diphthalate, andthe like, to give valuable products which may be used for the various purposes enumerated in the preceding paragraph. a

. I have found that the particular chemical compounds or reagents herein employed as emulsion-preventing agents may also be used for other purposes, for instance, as a breakinducer in doctor treatment of the kind intended to sweeten gasoline. See U. S. Patent No. 2,157,223, dated May 9, 1939, to Sutton.

It has been previously pointed out that this invention is concerned with derivatives of polymerized hydroxylated amines of the kind de- Having thus described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst,

from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and at least one mole of a high molal, waterinsoluble aIcohoLcOntaining at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

2. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and at least one mole of a high molal, waterinsoluble, aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

3. A process for preventing Water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and at least one mol of a high molal, waterinsoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

4. A process for preventing water-in -oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from. a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and at least one mole of a high molal, waterinsoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

5. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, th condensation product derived from onemole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization is presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon'radi- Search R cal, and one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

6. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting'from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 18 carbon atoms.

'7. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyethylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not mor than 18 carbon atoms.

8. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a tetraethanol tetraethylene pentamine, and one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 13 carbon atoms.

9. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, at least one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

10. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, at least one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

11. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, at least one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

12. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, at least one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

13. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

14. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerzed amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 18 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

15. A process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well, prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyethylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 18 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

16. A'process for preventing water-in-oil emulsions resulting from the acidization of calcareous oil-bearing strata, which consists in introducing into the cognate fluids of a well prior to emergence, the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization of a catalyst, from a tetraethanol tetraethylene pentamine, one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol fires 8 ,262,740 a Search Ro containing at least 9 carbon atoms andnot more than 18 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

17. A composition of matter, comprising radical, and one mole of a high molal, waterinsoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 18 carbon atoms. 1

strong mineral acid and the condensation product 24. A composition of matter, comprising hydroderived from one mole of a polymerized amine chloric acid and the condensation product deobtained by heat polymerization in presence of a rived from one mole of a polymerized amine obcatalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine tained by heat polymerization in presence of a containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyethylene amine directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, 10 containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms and at least one mole of a-high molal, water-insoluble alcohol containing at least9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

18. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and at least one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

19. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and at least one mole of a high molal, Waterinsoluble, aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

20. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation productderived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and at least one mole of a high molal, Waterinsoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

21. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and at least one mole of a high molal,

water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol con-.

taining at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

22. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and one mole of a high molal, waterinsoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms.

283. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, and one mole of a high molal, waterinsoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 18 carbon atoms.

25. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a tetraethanol tetraethylene pentamine, and one mole of a high molal, waterinsoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 18 carbon atoms.

26. A composition of matter, comprising strong mineral acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, at least one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol. I

27. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, at least one mole of a high molal, Water-insoluble alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

28. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from' one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom, not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, at least one mole of a high molal, waterinsoluble, aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

29. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least one amino nitrogen atom catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine QWSS i ieiatemg containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, at least one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary, aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

31. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms. not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least' 9 carbon atoms and not more than 31- carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol. 1

32. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensatiton product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyalkylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 18 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

33. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization in presence of a catalyst, from a hydroxylated polyethylene amine containing at least two amino nitrogen atoms not directly linked to a hydroxy hydrocarbon radical, one mole'of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatiol alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not'more than 18 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

34. A composition of matter, comprising hydrochloric acid and the condensation product derived from one mole of a polymerized amine obtained by heat polymerization of a catalyst, from a tetraethanol tetraethylene pentamine, one mole of a high molal, water-insoluble, primary aliphatic alcohol containing at least 9 carbon atoms and not more than 18 carbon atoms, and at least one mole of a polyhydric alcohol.

MELVm DE GROOTE. 

